London, November 13, 2017- Novartis has had a strong year in innovation with several key approvals and positive trial readouts. Today Novartis holds an R&D and investor update in London, which will provide deeper insights into key late-stage pipeline projects. In the Oncology business unit, Novartis is pursuing multiple indications for Kymriah, the first-in-class CAR-T therapy, and could further strengthen the oncology pipeline if the proposed acquisition of Advanced Accelerator Applications is closed. In the Pharmaceuticals business unit, Novartis continues to strengthen its position in Multiple Sclerosis through BAF312 (siponimod), OMB157 (ofatumumab) and the recent pediatric findings for Gilenya. During the investor event Novartis will provide a deep dive on the four selected programs below.

In Ophthalmology, RTH258 (brolucizumab) data presented at the American Academy of Ophthalmology showed superiority versus aflibercept in key secondary endpoints reflective of disease activity in patients with nAMD. Patients treated with RTH258 showed fewer signs of specific disease activity than patients treated with aflibercept. RTH258 patients showed less retinal fluids, less fluid in the deepest part of the retina and superior reductions in retinal thickness. Novartis expects to file for the nAMD indication by Q4 2018 and expects to start clinical trials in DME and RVO during 2018. Additionally, RTH258 creates the potential opportunity for Novartis to enter the attractive growing US retina market.

In Neuroscience, AMG 334 (erenumab) is being developed to deliver an effective and safe prophylactic treatment for patients suffering from chronic or episodic migraine. This debilitating disease affects more than 10% of adults, mainly in their prime working years. AMG 334 has shown encouraging results in reducing monthly migraine days, even in difficult to treat patients. AMG 334 is a fully human, potent, selective CGRP antagonist targeting the receptor and it was the first CGRP antagonist to be filed in the US and EU, on track for a potential first-in-class launch in 2018.

In Immunology, Cosentyx continues to build on its best-in-class profile, which has demonstrated sustained control of signs and symptoms in PSO, PsA and AS. Cosentyx has strong differentiation based on its unique biology which has shown a high level of enthesitis resolution and no radiographic progression in psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. By targeting the IL-17A pathway, the cornerstone cytokine of enthesitis, Cosentyx has the potential to change the course of disease in AS and PsA. Cosentyx is uniquely positioned to continue growth in all indications, particularly in spondyloarthritis, where the segment opportunity is larger than psoriasis.

In Cardiology, ACZ885 (canakinumab) data showed there was a significant reduction in major adverse cardiac events, in a subpopulation of patients who achieved hsCRP<2mg/L three months after the initial treatment. This well defined target population is critical to establishing the product's value proposition and commercial uptake. Feedback from FDA and EU regulators supports moving forward with regulatory submissions for cardiovascular risk reduction, which are planned for Q4 and onwards. The novelty of approach to reduce CV risk is recognized by the regulators and there is interest in understanding the relationship between hsCRP and patient response.

DisclaimerThis press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by words such as "pipeline," "on track," "moving forward," "will," "pursuing," "could," "continues," "expects," "by Q4 2018," "during 2018," "potential," "growing," "being developed," "encouraging," "launch," "to build," "positioned," "opportunity," "planned," "for Q4 and onwards," "interest in," or similar terms, or by express or implied discussions regarding potential marketing approvals, new indications or labeling for the investigational and approved products described in this press release, including RTH258, AMG 334, ACZ885, BAF312, OMB157, Cosentyx, Kymriah and Gilenya, or regarding potential future revenues from such investigational and approved products, or by express or implied discussions regarding the potential outcome of the tender offer for Advanced Accelerator Applications, and the potential impact on Novartis of the proposed acquisition, including express or implied discussions regarding potential future sales or earnings of Novartis, and any potential strategic benefits, synergies or opportunities expected as a result of the proposed acquisition. 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Additional InformationNovartis announced October 30, 2017, that it had entered a memorandum of understanding with Advanced Accelerator Applications (AAA) under which Novartis intends to commence a tender offer for 100% of the share capital of AAA. The transaction is subject to certain closing conditions. Novartis will commence a tender offer upon completion of works council consultation and AAA's Board of Directors recommending the tender offer to AAA shareholders. The senior management and Directors of AAA have, in their capacity as shareholders of AAA, undertaken to tender their shares into the proposed tender offer. The transaction is additionally subject to (i) the valid tender pursuant to the tender offer of ordinary shares (including ordinary shares in the form of American Depositary Shares) of AAA representing at least 80% of the outstanding ordinary shares on a fully diluted basis and (ii) receipt of customary transactional regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. Until such time as the closing conditions are satisfied, Lutathera® remains under the custody and control of AAA. Novartis does not currently own or control these projects and will not have the ability to influence them until closing of the proposed acquisition of AAA which is subject to certain closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

Lutathera® is a registered trademark of Advanced Accelerator Applications.

About NovartisNovartis provides innovative healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, cost-saving generic and biosimilar pharmaceuticals and eye care. Novartis has leading positions globally in each of these areas. In 2016, the Group achieved net sales of USD 48.5 billion, while R&D throughout the Group amounted to approximately USD 9.0 billion. Novartis Group companies employ approximately 121,000 full-time-equivalent associates. Novartis products are sold in approximately 155 countries around the world. For more information, please visit http://www.novartis.com.